National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration July 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 1 - 50 of 86
Endangered and Threatened Species; 90-Day Finding on Petition To Delist the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast Evolutionarily Significant Unit of Coho Salmon Under the Endangered Species Act
We, NMFS, announce a 90-day finding on a petition to delist the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast (SONCC) Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We find that the petition does not present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Abbreviated Framework
NMFS issues this final rule to implement management measures described in an abbreviated framework to the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council), and Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources prepared by the Gulf Council and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (South Atlantic Council). This final rule eliminates the requirement to submit a current certificate of inspection (COI) provided by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) with the application to renew or transfer a Federal Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) coastal migratory pelagic (CMP) or reef fish charter vessel/ headboat permit (hereafter referred to as a for-hire permit) and eliminates the restriction on transferring for-hire permits to a vessel of greater authorized passenger capacity than specified on the permit. This final rule also prohibits the harvest or possession of CMP or reef fish species on a vessel with a Gulf for-hire permit that is carrying more passengers than is specified on the permit. The purpose of this final rule is to simplify the passenger capacity requirements for transfers and renewals of Gulf CMP and reef fish for-hire permits to provide more flexibility in the use of these permitted vessels.
Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council); Public Meeting
The Groundfish Subcommittee of the Pacific Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will convene a teleconference, which is open to the public. To attend the SSC Groundfish Subcommittee teleconference, participants need to dial the following toll-free number and, when requested, the access code for the teleconference: telephone: (866) 781-8576; Access code: 67358852
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Trimester Closure for the Common Pool Fishery
This action closes the Georges Bank (GB) cod Trimester Total Allowable Catch (TAC) Area for the remainder of Trimester 1, through August 31, 2013. Based on our projection, the common pool fishery has caught 90 percent of its GB cod Trimester 1 TAC triggering the regulatory requirement to close the TAC area for the remainder of the trimester. This action is intended to prevent an overage of the common pool's GB cod quota.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; Parrotfish Management Measures in St. Croix
NMFS issues this final rule to implement management measures described in Regulatory Amendment 4 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (FMP), as prepared by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council). This rule establishes minimum size limits for parrotfish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). The purpose of this final rule is to provide protection from harvest to parrotfish and to assist the stock in achieving optimum yield (OY).
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council); Public Meeting
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) will hold a public hearing meeting pertaining to: Amendment 5 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan (FMP); and the Generic Dealer Amendment.
Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan for Guided Sport and Commercial Fisheries in Alaska; Extension of Comment Period
NMFS is extending the date by which public comments are due concerning proposed regulations to implement a catch sharing plan for the guided sport and commercial fisheries for Pacific halibut in waters of International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) Regulatory Areas 2C (Southeast Alaska) and 3A (Central Gulf of Alaska). NMFS published the proposed rule on June 28, 2013, and announced that the public comment period would end on August 12, 2013. With this notice, NMFS is extending the comment period to August 26, 2013, to provide additional time for stakeholders and other members of the public to submit comments.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Oversight Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 28
NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 28 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP), as prepared by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council), and to set the commercial and recreational ACLs and fishing seasons for red snapper for the 2013 fishing year. Amendment 28 and this final rule establish a process for determining whether limited commercial and recreational fishing seasons for red snapper in or from the South Atlantic exclusive economic zone (EEZ) can occur during a given fishing year, beginning in 2013. Amendment 28 specifies the process and formulas for setting commercial and recreational annual catch limits (ACLs) for red snapper during limited fishing seasons. Amendment 28 and this final rule also establish management measures for red snapper during limited fishing seasons, including eliminating the red snapper minimum size limit, establishing a recreational bag limit, and establishing a commercial trip limit for red snapper. NMFS has determined that limited commercial and recreational fishing seasons can occur in 2013. Therefore, this final rule specifies the commercial and recreational ACLs for 2013, the opening and closing dates of the 2013 recreational fishing season, and the opening date of the 2013 commercial fishing season for South Atlantic red snapper. The purpose of this final rule is to continue rebuilding red snapper to sustainable levels and provide socio-economic benefits to snapper-grouper fishermen and communities that utilize the red snapper resource.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2013 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in the West Yakutat District of the GOA.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meetings
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and its Research Set-Aside Committee (RSA), and its Ecosystems and Ocean Planning Committee will hold public meetings.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to a Pier Replacement Project
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that we have issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Navy (Navy) to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, four species of marine mammals during construction activities associated with a pier replacement project in San Diego Bay, California.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) and its Administrative Committee will hold meetings.
Marine Mammals; Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement To Amend the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan
NMFS proposes to amend the regulations implementing the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (Plan). The proposed rule revises the management measures for reducing the incidental mortality and serious injury to the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) in commercial trap/pot and gillnet fisheries to meet the goals of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), to analyze impacts to the environment of the management alternatives under consideration. NMFS will hold 16 public hearings along the East coast in August and September for the purpose of answering questions and receiving public testimony on the DEIS.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Licensing of Private Remote-Sensing Space Systems
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Meeting of the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel
NMFS will hold a 4-day Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Advisory Panel (AP) meeting in September 2013. The intent of the meeting is to consider options for the conservation and management of Atlantic HMS. The meeting is open to the public.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting retention of northern rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the 2013 total allowable catch of northern rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached.
Endangered Species; File No. 17381
Notice is hereby given that Kristen Hart, Ph.D., United States Geological Survey, Southeast Ecological Science Center, 3205 College Avenue, Davie, FL 33314 has been issued a permit to take listed sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
NMFS has evaluated the Tribal Resource Management Plans (Plans) submitted by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Nez Perce Tribe to NMFS pursuant to the limitation on take prohibitions for actions conducted under the Tribal Rule of section 4(d) for salmon and steelhead promulgated under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Plans specify fishery management activities in the Oregon and Washington portions of the Snake River basin. This document serves to notify the public that NMFS, by delegated authority from the Secretary of Commerce, has determined pursuant to the ESA Tribal 4(d) Rule for salmon and steelhead that implementing and enforcing the Plans will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery of ESA- listed salmon and steelhead.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Scoping Meetings
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council will hold scoping meetings to obtain input from fishers, the general public, and the local agencies representatives on the development of island-specific fishery management plans for Puerto Rico, St. Thomas/St. John, USVI and St. Croix, USVI. A fishery management plan will be developed for each of these areas. The document entitled ``Development of a Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for the Exclusive Economic Zone of St. Thomas/St. John, USVI,'' will consider the following alternative actions: Action 1: Establish the fishery management units (FMUs) for the comprehensive St. Thomas/St/John fishery management plan (FMP). Action 2: Revise the species composition of the comprehensive St. Thomas/St. John FMP. Action 3: Establish management reference points for any new species added to the comprehensive St. Thomas/St. John FMP. Action 4: Modify or establish additional management measures. The document entitled ``Development of a Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for the Exclusive Economic Zone of St. Croix, USVI,'' will consider the following alternative actions: Action 1: Establish the fishery management units (FMUs) for the comprehensive St. Croix, USVI fishery management plan (FMP). Action 2: Revise the species composition of the comprehensive St. Croix FMP. Action 3: Establish management reference points for any new species added to the comprehensive St. Croix, USVI FMP. Action 4: Modify or establish additional management measures. The document entitled ``Development of a Comprehensive Fishery Management Plan for the Exclusive Economic Zone of Puerto Rico,'' will consider the following alternative actions: Action 1: Establish the fishery management units (FMUs) for the comprehensive Puerto Rico fishery management plan (FMP). Action 2: Revise the species composition of the comprehensive Puerto Rico FMP. Action 3: Establish management reference points for any new species added to the comprehensive Puerto Rico FMP. Action 4: Modify or establish additional management measures. The comprehensive plans will incorporate and modify, as needed, federal fishery management measures included in each of the existing species based management plans (Spiny Lobster, Reef Fish, Coral and Queen Conch). The goal is to create management plans tailored to the specific fishery management needs of each area. If approved, these new management plans being developed for each area; St. Thomas/St. John, USVI; St. Croix, USVI, and Puerto Rico, will replace the current species-based plans presently governing commercial and recreational harvest in the U.S. Caribbean federal waters. Dates and Addresses: Due to the tropical storm Chantel the scoping meetings in these locations could not be held. The rescheduled scoping meetings will be held on the following dates and locations: In Puerto Rico: August 5, 20137 p.m.-10 p.m.Mayaguez Resort & Casino, Route 104, Km 0.3, Mayag[uuml]ez 00680, Puerto Rico. August 6, 20137 p.m.-10 p.m.at the Holiday Inn Ponce & Tropical Casino, 3315 Ponce By Pass, Ponce, Puerto Rico. In the U.S. Virgin Islands: August 6, 20137 p.m.10 p.m.Windward Passage Hotel, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will convene a conference call of its Groundfish Essential Fish Habitat Review Committee (EFHRC). A listening station will be available at the Pacific Council offices for interested members of the public, and there may be opportunities to attend the meeting remotely.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Space Vehicle and Missile Launch Operations at Kodiak Launch Complex, Alaska
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that a Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to the Alaska Aerospace Corporation (AAC) to take two species of pinnipeds incidental to space vehicle and missile launch operations at the Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC) in Kodiak, Alaska.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; National Standard 2-Scientific Information
This final action amends the guidelines for National Standard 2 (NS2) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) regarding scientific information. Consistent with the President's memo on Scientific Integrity (March 9, 2009) and NOAA Administrative Order 202-735D, the revised NS2 guidelines are intended to ensure the highest level of integrity and strengthen public confidence in the quality, validity and reliability of scientific information disseminated by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in support of fishery management actions. This action provides guidance on what constitutes best scientific information available (BSIA) for the effective conservation and management of fisheries managed under Federal fishery management plans (FMPs), and adds new language to the NS2 guidelines regarding the advisory role of the Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSCs) of the Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils) and the relationship of SSCs to the peer review process. The revised NS2 guidelines also clarify the content and purpose of the Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Report and related documents. This action makes modest adjustments to current operating practices; it is intended to ensure that scientific information, including its collection and analysis, has been validated through peer review, as appropriate, is transparent to the public, and is used appropriately by SSCs, Councils, and NMFS in the conservation and management of marine fisheries.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to a Barge Mooring Project
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that we have issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Navy (Navy) to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, four species of marine mammals during construction activities associated with a barge mooring project in Hood Canal, Washington.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to a Wharf Construction Project
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that we have issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Navy (Navy) to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, six species of marine mammals during construction activities associated with a wharf construction project in Hood Canal, Washington.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meetings
The SEDAR 32 assessment of the South Atlantic stock of Gray Triggerfish will consist of: A Data Workshop; a series of Assessment webinars; and a Center for Independent Experts (CIE) Desk Review. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR); Public Meetings
The SEDAR 32 and 32A review of the South Atlantic stock of Blueline Tilefish and Gulf of Mexico stock of Menhaden will consist of one workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
This notice advises the public that three direct take permits have been issued pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) for operation, monitoring, and evaluation of hatchery programs rearing and releasing spring Chinook salmon in the Wenatchee River basin of Washington state, and that the decision documents are available upon request.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of the Standing, Special Mackerel and Special Reef Fish Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSC).
Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Commercial, Limited Entry Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Program Improvement and Enhancement
This proposed action would implement revisions to the Pacific coast groundfish trawl rationalization program (program), a catch share program, and includes clarifications of regulations that affect the limited entry trawl and limited entry fixed gear sectors managed under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This action proposes to implement trailing actions for the program that either implement original provisions of the program, including quota share (QS) permit application and transfer regulations, increase flexibility or efficiency, or address minor revisions/clarifications.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery and Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 24 and Framework Adjustment 49; Correction
This action contains corrections and clarifications to the final rule implemented through Joint Framework Adjustment 24 to the Scallop Fishery Management Plan and Framework Adjustment 49 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (Joint Framework 24/49), which published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2013. Following publication, NMFS identified certain provisions of the implementing regulations for Joint Framework 24/49 that needed correcting or clarification. Specifically, this correcting amendment makes corrections pertaining to the scallop fishery's default 2014 fishing year days-at-sea allocation for full-time vessels so that the allocation in the regulations is as intended by Joint Framework 24/49 (i.e., currently this allocation is greater than specified through the preambles to the proposed and final rules). In addition, this amendment makes corrections to the observer call-in requirements for scallop limited access general category individual fishing quota vessels when fishing in open areas so that vessel owners and operators are clear on when they are required to call into the industry-funded observer program.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Rougheye Rockfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is prohibiting retention of rougheye rockfish in the Bering Sea subarea and Eastern Aleutian district (BS/EAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Island management area (BSAI). This action is necessary because the 2013 total allowable catch of rougheye rockfish in the BS/EAI will soon be reached.
Endangered and Threatened Species: Designation of Critical Habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Loggerhead Sea Turtle Distinct Population Segment (DPS) and Determination Regarding Critical Habitat for the North Pacific Ocean Loggerhead DPS
We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), propose critical habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean loggerhead sea turtle Distinct Population Segment (DPS) (Caretta caretta) within the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Specific areas proposed for designation include 36 occupied marine areas within the range of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS. These areas contain one or a combination of nearshore reproductive habitat, winter area, breeding areas, and migratory corridors. We are also asking for comment on whether to include as critical habitat in the final rule some areas that contain foraging habitat and two large areas that contain Sargassum habitat. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service addressed terrestrial areas (nesting beaches) in a separate document. No marine areas meeting the definition of critical habitat were identified within the jurisdiction of the United States for the North Pacific Ocean DPS, and therefore we are not proposing to designate critical habitat for that DPS. We are soliciting comments from the public on all aspects of the proposal, including information on the economic, national security, and other relevant impacts. We will consider additional information received prior to making a final designation.
Marine Mammals; File No. 16992
Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued to Paul Nachtigall, Ph.D., Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, P.O. Box 1106, Kailua, HI 96734 to conduct research on captive cetaceans.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Western Aleutian district (WAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2013 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in this area allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery.
Marine Mammals; File No. 17411
Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued to Dr. Jennifer Burns, University of Alaska Anchorage, Biology Department, Anchorage, AK, to conduct research on marine mammals.
Marine Mammals; File No. 14330
Notice is hereby given that the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island, Tribal Government, Ecosystem Conservation Office, St. Paul Island, AK, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 14330-01.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Natural Resource Damage Assessment Restoration Project Information Sheet
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Hearings
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold public hearings for Coastal Migratory Pelagics (CMP) Amendments 19 and 20, and Reef Fish Amendment 39Regional Management of Recreational Red Snapper.
Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Assessment on the Effects of Issuing an Incidental Take Permit No. 16230 to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries for the Continued Operation of the North Carolina Inshore Gillnet Fishery
NMFS announces the availability of the ``Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) on the Effects of Issuing an Incidental Take Permit No. 16230 to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries for the Continued Operation of the North Carolina Inshore Gillnet Fishery''. Publication of this notice begins the official public comment period for this draft EA. Per the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the purpose of the draft EA is to evaluate the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts caused by the issuance of Permit No. 16230 to North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) for the incidental take of threatened and endangered sea turtles during management of North Carolina inshore gillnet fisheries. All comments received will become part of the public record and will be available for review. An electronic copy of the revised application and proposed conservation plan may be obtained by contacting NMFS Office of Protected Resources (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) or visiting the internet at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/esa_review.htm.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Trip Limit Adjustment for the Common Pool Fishery
This action decreases the landing limit for Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic (SNE/MA) winter flounder for Northeast multispecies common pool vessels for the remainder of the 2013 fishing year (FY). This action also closes the Gulf of Maine (GOM) haddock Trimester Total Allowable Catch Area (TAC) for the remainder of Trimester 1, through August 31, 2013, because the common pool fishery has caught 147 percent of its Trimester 1 TAC for GOM haddock. This action is intended to prevent the overharvest of the common pool's allocation of SNE/MA winter flounder and GOM haddock.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations
NMFS proposes to amend the regulations implementing the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (Plan). This proposed rule revises the management measures for reducing the incidental mortality and serious injury to the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) in commercial trap/pot and gillnet fisheries to meet the goals of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The measures identified in the Plan are also intended to benefit minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), which are not strategic, but are known to be taken incidentally in commercial fisheries.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Commercial Gulf of Mexico Aggregated Large Coastal Shark and Gulf of Mexico Hammerhead Shark Management Groups
NMFS is closing the commercial management groups for aggregated large coastal sharks (LCS) and hammerhead sharks in the Gulf of Mexico region. This action is necessary because the commercial landings of Gulf of Mexico aggregated LCS for the 2012 fishing season has exceeded 80 percent of the available commercial quota as of July 5, 2013.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; U.S. Marine Corps Training Exercises at Air Station Cherry Point
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) regulation, we hereby give notification that we have issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (Authorization) to take marine mammals incidental to various training exercises at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point Range Complex, North Carolina for a period of one year. The U.S. Marine Corps' activities are military readiness activities pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2004.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern Rockfish and Dusky Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is opening directed fishing for northern rockfish and dusky rockfish for 48 hours in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the total allowable catch (TAC) of northern rockfish and dusky rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; “Other Rockfish” in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting retention of ``other rockfish'' in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the 2013 total allowable catch of ``other rockfish'' in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached.
Marine Mammals; File No. 17115
Notice is hereby given that James Lloyd-Smith, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, 610 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Box 723905, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7239, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 17115-00.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is opening directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Central Aleutian district (CAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery. This action is necessary to fully use the 2013 total allowable catch (TAC) of Atka mackerel in the CAI by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council); Public Meetings
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) will hold a series of public hearing meetings pertaining to: Amendment 5 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan (FMP); Amendment 14 to the Snapper Grouper FMP; Amendment 8 to the Coral FMP; and Amendments 19 and 20 as well as Framework actions to the Coastal Migratory Pelagics FMP.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council's (Council) Advisory Panel (AP) will hold a meeting.
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